Preliminary Consideration on Policy to Vietnam (DRV) in the Year 1964

 Forward to the Second Asian Division of the Foreign Ministry

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Sent by Cultural Committee (64) A 69

Rank: Secret

Preliminary Consideration on Policy to Vietnam (DRV) in the Year 1964

Cultural Liaison Office of the [Chinese] Embassy to Vietnam, Charge D’Affaires Du write to ask important points of policy to Vietnam and the following is our preliminary consideration:

1. The emphasis of the First Division of Foreign Ministry in 1964 was to strengthen efforts in leftist countries such as North Korea, DRV, and Albania. We will pay further attention to cultural cooperation with DRV for the following reasons: 

1) DRV is located at the frontline of the battle against imperialism; 

2) it launches cultural campaigns progressively; 3) it is resisting penetration and pressure from the Soviet Union.

2. Enlarge and strengthen the cultural cooperation with DRV and explore new methods of cooperation. The scale of the cooperation, if endorsed by the counterpart, should be larger than previous years [underlined on original transcript]. We should launch some projects that are not on the original plan.

3. Be pragmatic and efficient. We should help Vietnam to be self-reliant on developing cultural industry. If the Vietnamese side raises any requests on Chinese assistance in cultural materials and equipment that is within our ability, please report back for solution.

4. Research into and get an understanding of advantages in Vietnamese cultural industry and learn from the Vietnamese.

5. Strengthen efforts on important individuals, especially the leftist. Please carefully analyze these people and set priority on your work. It is very meaningful at the moment to orderly and selectively do some works [means “to influence”, note added by the translator] among leaders in the cultural area.

6. Actively recommend Vietnamese drama script and literature works for showing in China and translating into Chinese.

7. Continue to strengthen investigation and research and report prominent new problems.

At the same time please have a plan to write topical and comprehensive report. But do not write too much; keep it seasonal or a little more according to your ability.

8. Pay attention to summarize experience in propaganda, especially those on how to struggle with revisionism.

You have sent some very good materials recently. Keep working.

Foreign Cultural Liaison Committee

14 January [1964]